Information

The Mission of the Kauai Lifeguard Association is to

Maximize Ocean Safety in and around Kauai Waters.

To achieve this, KLA will do the following:

Establish

Establish and maintain high standards of professional and open-water lifesaving practices and techniques.

Provide

Provide for public, professional, and governmental education in the field of ocean safety.

Educate

Educate, train, develop, and disseminate techniques and/or information for the:

a) Rescue of persons in distress in Kauai waters.

b) Emergency medical care treatment of persons injured in or around Kauai waters

c) Prevention of aquatic emergencies in Kauai waters.

Support

Actively support the improvement of lifesaving practices and techniques in Kauai waters and associated humanitarian causes.

Funding and Equipment

Provide for necessary funds and equipment by means of fundraising events, government grants, foundations, and private/corporate donations.

Where the journey began

OUR HISTORY

The Kauai Lifeguard Association (KLA) was founded in 2006 by lifeguard supervisors Kalani Vierra and Randy Ortiz who took on the vision of making Kauai’s Junior Lifeguard Program. The KLA is proud of how far the Junior Lifeguards program has come and the difference it makes for public safety. Having knowledgeable people who were trained by our Junior Lifeguards program at the unguarded beaches has been critical to many lives saved.

The KLA works hard to support the Ocean Safety Bureau by donating equipment via fundraising and lobbying when needed both on the County level and on the State level. The KLA’s efforts to keep our oceans safe have consisted of a variety of other programs, over the years Public Access Rescue Tubes; baggage claims safety videos, developing and distributing safety brochures, beach safety display kiosks, community ocean safety education programs, and others. These programs are ongoing.

As an organization

we have helped push for growth in our island’s ocean safety and we’re proud of how far we’ve come. We now have 55 Lifeguards, a veritable fleet of trucks and Jet Skis and ATVs, a Supervisor and 2 Training Officers (with great training programs), a Clerk, and a career ladder that includes District Supervisors for our 3 Districts. On top of this the KLA — with thanks always to our sponsors and donors and fundraiser consultants — has been able to donate approximately $750,000 worth of equipment to the Kauai County Ocean Safety Bureau.

Our Goals

Our goal is to educate folks on what they can do to minimize dangers, on Kauai visitors account for 75% of our drownings yearly and we are trying our best to stop each and every drowning that might occur. Education is a powerful tool and we are hopeful to see some positive changes and to keep our waters safe!

Get to know our ocean safety team

The Kauai Lifeguard Association is composed of numerous ocean safety ambassadors that have made the waters of Kauai safe for our community.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jaime Arreola
President

Laola Aea
Vice President

Margaret Wright
Secretary

Pat Durkin
Treasurer

Monty Downs

Kalani Vierra

Tyrus Siale

Chad Listman

Marc Bennor

Dickie Chang

Curt Colby

Andy Evans

Christine French

Howard Leslie

Willie Steele

At Large

Carol Pratt

Vicki Sterne

Bob Westerman

EX- OFFICIO

Steve Goble, Deputy Fire Chief